Photo: lepiaf.geo

Have you ever wanted to change something in your life, but aren’t sure which path to choose or decision to make? Want better options or to make sense of the ones you currently have? What about learning how to go with the flow?

The answer to each of these questions is the same: Use your intuition.

We all have it. In fact, intuition is one of the main, but often overlooked, senses. Like any muscle, it just needs to be used. When you do, it is one of the strongest, fastest, and clearest ways of knowing the next best step for your life.

So let’s get started on how to do exactly that.

Step #1 – Assume, Trust, and Set It Up

Often times when we get into situations where we feel cloudy, or attached to a certain outcome, we think that our intuition has taken a vacation when we need it most. Not true. Always assume that it’s there, guiding you on, patiently waiting for you to trust, listen, and follow its wise advice.

Saying “I don’t know what to do, I can’t seem to get in touch with my intuition” will set you up to experience just that. Your intuition is part of who you are, and it’s your most valuable compass.

Set it up to remind you of that by saying something that’s not only true, but feels better, like “I know my intuition will help me know what to do. Thank you in advance for making the clues obvious.”

Step #2 – Pay Attention

Next, start to become aware of how your intuition is already showing up for you. Sometimes, it’s an afterthought–“I knew I should have.” Or a strong feeling: “this seems like the right way to go.” Or an immediate hit of “yes” or “no” the minute you are faced with a decision.

Photo: whatmegsaid

Once you understand your natural tendencies–whether you get a felt sense, a gut knowing, hearing words, or seeing images–you can then build on that. As you begin to act on those directives, the intuitive voice gets stronger and clearer. The more you practice, the louder the voice of intuition gets.

Step #3 – Acknowledge & Reinforce

When you get evidence that acting on your intuition was a good thing, let yourself know:

I’m so glad I followed my hunch. This turned out better than what I expected.

This creates a positive feedback loop: the more you listen, trust, and use your intuition, the easier it gets to access it. When you do this in your daily life–for little decisions like what to eat or what to wear–you are setting the stage for letting your intuition guide you when making the tougher, bigger decisions.

Step #4 – Distinguish Intuition From Fear

This is by far the most popular question I get asked: How do I know which voice to listen to? A lot of us have a party going on inside our heads, each voice shouting out an opinion and a different direction to go in. Below are a few easy ways to tell the voices apart.

Intuition deals with the present moment, what’s in front of you, and how to navigate through the options to the best choice. There is a strength, clarity, and conciseness behind the intuitive voice. Your body also responds differently to intuition. It will stand straighter, look forward instead of down, and it’s easier to take a deep breath.

Fear, on the other hand, spins stories of the past and the future. Its strength lies in freaking you out, making you confused, and putting more emphasis on other people’s reactions in order to take you out of your own experience. One of the most recognized voices of fear is the inner critic. It is often accompanied by “shoulds,” judgments, and attacks on your self-esteem.

The best way to deal with fear is by having loving boundaries: “Underneath whatever you say is you feeling scared and thinking you need to protect me. I am safe to make this decision with my intuition, and so are you. Quiet please.”

Or, you could go for the more direct “Shhhh.”

Step #5 – Intuition + Your Other Senses = A Champion Team!

Sight

Photo: Fe Ilya

Distill the options before you into one brief sentence. Write each sentence on a blank sheet of paper with some space between them.

Ask, “which option is the best option to choose right now?” As you look over the different ones, you’ll find that your eyes will return to one in particular. Choose that.

Energy

You could also take those options and lay them out in a line as you would a solitaire game. Put them face down and use your hands as your intuitive guide. Hold your hand over each of the pieces. Notice if you feel tingling or warmth in the palm of your hand as you slowly glide over each option. The intuitive choice is the one with the most sensation.

Sound

Ask a question without the word should (you don’t want to activate that inner critic). When at a restaurant, scan the menu, and ask, “what would be the healthiest choice for me right now?”

Note, the question isn’t,”what’s the healthiest choice on the menu?” When you include the words ‘for me’ in your questions, you are knocking on the door of intuition. Expect you’ll get the correct response.

Intuition Can be Applied To Any Area of Your Life

From a career that used to be fulfilling but no longer is to the relationship you’d like to spice up to restoring your health, you can use your intuition to make sense of your past, weave your future, and get grounded in the here and now. It’s always supportive, creative, and gives you a road map for your life.

What better friend could you ask for?

Now, you are officially ready to let your intuition guide the way. It’s time to make an investment in your inner world so you can experience more pleasure in the outer world. Go forth and practice. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers. There are only different choices, and you always have the power within to choose what’s right for you in this constantly changing world. Enjoy!